In two days Boulder has gone from months of miserable, snowy cold wetness to blue skies, sunny and pleasant. Work has been busy, but I knew that staying in the office today and pulling on more plastic tonight would have given me a case of cabin fever that even my nightly tablespoon of habañero seeds couldn’t cure. Recently, I wrote about some 2010 goals. What better way to start than heading to Eldo’s West Ridge with Ryan and Tyler to get the ball rolling?
Ryan working up Positively Fourth Street
I was excited to onsight Pony Express. It just goes to show that my motto is true: Every now and then a blind squirrel finds an acorn.
About to enter the first crux of Pony Express and move out to the arete
Pony Express was a great way to get my lead head back after months in the gym. The second pitch wanders briefly onto an exposed arete then forces a reachy move to a good rail while just hoping your feet won’t pop. The best protection offered during the first crux is a fixed nut that looked a bit suspect. Multiple cruxes follow like tremors after an earthquake and like Eli would say the entire line makes you “earn it.”
I love the feeling of coming home after a day outside. Spring is here.
Nice man! I’m looking forward to getting out with you soon.
It was a great day, really nice to get outside after all the cold, wet weather we’ve had. The onsight of Pony Express was pretty amazing. A half an hour on the route, figuring tricky beta, and no falls. You is fit.
That looks like a sick line! Maybe this summer I’ll work my way up to climbing harder routes in Eldo… But maybe I should climb a few easy routes in Eldo first.
Thanks guys.
Eli, I’m glad you’re back. It sounds like I’ll see you tomorrow. It looks like you did bring decent weather with you.
Tyler, your lead was awesome as well. When you get more comfortable with gear, trad leading will provide you with so many more possibilities for multipitch climbing. As it is, you’re sacking up quite well. If I would have known it was going to take me a half hour to fight through that thing, I would have brought you up a jacket and suggested chilling with Ryan while he had me on belay. After all it was a nice ledge.
Ron, we should make a point to head to BC and have a little trad seminar. You would have a great time in Eldo (and elsewhere). There are many multipitch lines there that are pretty easy and breathtaking. This spring and summer will be a great time.